Neuronal circadian rhythm: phase shifting by a protein synthesis inhibitor

A potent inhibitor of protein synthesis, anisomycin, was applied (10(-6)M) in 6-hour pulses at specific phases in the circadian rhythm of endogenous compound action potential (CAP) activity recorded from the eye of Aplysia in vitro. The phase of the circadian rhythm was systematically advanced or delayed (up to 15 hours) depending on the specific phase at which the pulse was applied. The resultant phase response curve implicates protein synthesis on the eukaryotic ribosome as a fundamental part of the controlling processes that constitutes the circadian clock.